Typical and exceptional fauna and flora species in forests
Flora
In Greece there are about 6,900 species and sub-species of vascular plants. Endemic species and sub-species in Greece are over 1,300. Flora diversity is the result of a number of factors, the most important being:
- Old flora containing many Tertiary species which have survived the Quaternary IceAges.
- The existence of islands, mountain ranges, isolated land masses, as a result of geological change in the Mediterranean Sea.
- The fact that flora in Greece is influenced by central European, Anatolian and Pontic flora.
- Human intervention and domestic animals which destroy and change natural vegetation.
In Greece there are about 6,900 species and sub-species of vascular plants. Endemic species and sub-species in Greece are over 1,300. Flora diversity is the result of a number of factors, the most important being:
- Old flora containing many Tertiary species which have survived the Quaternary IceAges.
- The existence of islands, mountain ranges, isolated land masses, as a result of geological change in the Mediterranean Sea.
- The fact that flora in Greece is influenced by central European, Anatolian and Pontic flora.
- Human intervention and domestic animals which destroy and change natural vegetation.
Fauna
Fauna in Greece has a great diversity because of the many forest types ranging from mountain habitats of dwarf pines to coastal gallery forests. It is actually a mixture of European, Asian and African species. It includes bears, wild cats, brown squirrels, jackals, foxes, deer, wolves, lynxes, as well as the rare species of wild-goat, which inhabit the mountain regions of Crete. In Greece there are about 116 mammal species, 57 of which belong to IUCN endangered species categories. For ensuring game populations, 700 wildlife refuges were established. 422 bird species have been recorded, 2/3 of which are migratory birds. Forests are habitats for many insect species which are rare or protected by nature conservation legislation. Many insects have not been described yet, especially endemic ones. Greek entomofauna is estimated at about 50,000 species. Of particular importance are insect species that inhabit dead wood and those living in the trunks and hollows of trees in primary forests. Many animal species depend on the rich entomofauna.
Moreover, there are many endangered species because of widespread urbanization and tourism.
Fauna in Greece has a great diversity because of the many forest types ranging from mountain habitats of dwarf pines to coastal gallery forests. It is actually a mixture of European, Asian and African species. It includes bears, wild cats, brown squirrels, jackals, foxes, deer, wolves, lynxes, as well as the rare species of wild-goat, which inhabit the mountain regions of Crete. In Greece there are about 116 mammal species, 57 of which belong to IUCN endangered species categories. For ensuring game populations, 700 wildlife refuges were established. 422 bird species have been recorded, 2/3 of which are migratory birds. Forests are habitats for many insect species which are rare or protected by nature conservation legislation. Many insects have not been described yet, especially endemic ones. Greek entomofauna is estimated at about 50,000 species. Of particular importance are insect species that inhabit dead wood and those living in the trunks and hollows of trees in primary forests. Many animal species depend on the rich entomofauna.
Moreover, there are many endangered species because of widespread urbanization and tourism.